Denver Broncos First Round Draft Picks

In case you missed the first round of the NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos had two selections and they picked to game changers to their team.

The first pick is the former Georgia Bulldog, Knowshon Moreno, who was selected with the 12th pick. Knowshon was Second Team All-American in 2008 and First Team All-SEC in both 2007 and 2008. Moreno is a well built athlete who ran for 2,734 yards and 30 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Bulldogs and showed tremendous ability as a receiver as well.

Their second first round draft pick was defensive end Robert Ayers from Tennessee with the 18th pick. Ayers is strong, athletic and versatile who makes quick burst off the ball and uses his hands well to shed blockers.

Cardinals Cut Edgerrin James

With the 31st pick in the NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals selected the running back of their future in Chris “Beanie” Wells.

He brings an excellent combination of size and running ability. He runs downhill and has the leg-drive for the extra yardage. Beanie Wells is also a good blocker, has a mean stiff-arm, and has shown some breakaway speed.

This pick made Edgerrin James’ position on the team expendable.

James has wanted to be released since the end of the season to find a new team. The Arizona Cardinals granted his wish on Tuesday by releasing him with one year left on his contract.

The veteran running back rushed for only 514 yards and three touchdowns on 133 carries and added 85 yards on 12 receptions. James had 794 carries for 2,895 yards and 16 touchdowns in his three seasons in Arizona. He topped 1,000 yards in 2006 and 2007. In his 11 seasons, he has rushed for more than 12,000 yards.

A writer from the Arizona Republic reported Tuesday night on his blog that Edgerrin James my sign a new contract with another NFL team soon. “So far several teams have expressed interest and we may have a deal in place in the very near future,” said agent Drew Rosenhaus in text messages with the Arizona Republic’s Kent Somers.

Denver Brocnos Draft Report Card

In the aftermath of the big draft weekend, top columnist have made their report cards and graded the NFL teams on how they feel they fared with their draft picks.

The Denver Bronco’s did not grade very well by the sports reporters. Here is what they had to say:

Pete Prisco of CBSSportsline.com gave a C- and said:

Best pick: Darcel McBath, their second-round pick, is a rangy safety they badly need in the back end of their defense.
Questionable move: Trading next year’s first-round pick to draft corner Alphonso Smith. He’s a good player, but that could be a high pick.
Second-day gem: Fifth-round pick Kenny McKinley is a smart receiver who will fill the slot position role for the Broncos.

FoxSports.com’s John Czarnecki graded the Bronco’s a B and said:

The Broncos filled some needs and found some parts, but the bottom line is that they are without quarterback Jay Cutler now, and they definitely didn’t replace him. Georgia running back Knowshon Moreno was a no-brainer with the first choice, especially since San Diego coveted him. Tennessee defensive end Robert Ayers has the look of a Justin Tuck type; able to rush from an inside position or from the edge.

In the second round, new Broncos GM Brian Xanders went for secondary performers in Wake Forest CB Alphonso Smith, who has a chance to start, and Texas Tech safety Darcel McBath. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier called Kenny McKinley the best receiver he’s ever coached. McKinley started 33 consecutive games and finished with 207 receptions. He could be a steal. The Broncos are still talking about trading productive tight end Tony Scheffler, and that could be a mistake. Fresno State quarterback Tom Brandstater has an NFL arm and was a very interesting pick at No. 174.

ESPN.com’s Mel Kiper Jr. gave the Bronco’s a C:

Knowshon Moreno is a good running back and Robert Ayers has excellent ability. Alphonso Smith was one of my favorite defensive players to watch in college, but I don’t agree with trading a future No. 1 pick for the rights to pick him. Richard Quinn was selected a little too high for a one-dimensional blocking tight end. David Bruton is an OK player and so is Seth Olsen.

NBCSports.com’s Gregg Rosenthal and Evan Silva gave a B+

Quantity was just as important as quality for a team with so many roster holes. Denver gave up a ton to acquire five picks in the first two rounds and 10 overall. But the Broncos got quality with the best running back in the draft (Knowshon Moreno), the best 3-4 outside linebacker prospect (Robert Ayers), and a nice value in second-rounder Alphonso Smith.

Giving up a first-rounder for Smith, however, gets Denver marked down. Also, sixth-round prospect Tom Brandstater is no Jay Cutler. If Cutler’s unnecessary trade counted in this grade, we’d give Denver an F.

Fanhouse’s Tom Herrera gave the Bronco’s a C+.

ESPN.com’s SportsNation gave the Bronco’s a C.

SportingNews.com’s Clifton Brown liked the Bronco’s moves and gave them an A-

They should not have traded Cutler, but this was not a bad job. Running back Knowshon Moreno can run it and catch it, a nice fit for Josh McDaniels’ offense. The next three picks — defensive end Robert Ayers, cornerback Alphonso Smith and safety Darcel McBath — should help a defense that sorely needs it.

USAToday.com’s Larry Weisman gave them a B-.

Solved the problem of an armada of RBs by reaching a bit for Knowshon Moreno. That said, he ought to plug into their shotgun scheme very well. Can catch and block. Logjam of RBs after free-agency signings (Correll Buckhalter, LaMont Jordan, J.J. Arrington) plus the holdovers. DE Robert Ayers was a one-year wonder but has quickness off the edge. Got good help for secondary with pair of second-round picks and the eventual replacement for Tony Scheffler in TE Richard Quinn. S David Bruton could be a stud.

Yahoo.com’s Jason Cole unfavorably graded Denver with a D

It’s hard to argue with the selection of Moreno, who is a terrific player. But you have to wonder what the Broncos are thinking when they take Moreno after signing running backs LaMont Jordan, Correll Buckhalter and J.J. Arrington earlier this offseason in free agency. Sure, the Broncos were ravaged by injury last season at that position, but they worked to fix it already. Considering the needs the Broncos had on the defensive line, not doing more there is highly questionable. Also, giving up a first-round pick in 2010 for the right to get Alphonso Smith could really backfire in a serious way, taking away many of the gains the team made by trading QB Jay Cutler earlier this month.

Broncos Have A Full Running Back Stable

The edition of Knowshon Moreno to the Denver Broncos makes for a full stable of running backs on the roster. Many fans were surprised and pleased when the Broncos chose Moreno with the 12th pick in the NFL Draft on Saturday since the team has so many running backs and they have many needs to fill on defense.

It looks like Knowshon is going to be the favorite of the Bronco’s running backs which includes J.J. Arrington, Correll Buckhalter, Peyton Hillis, LaMont Jordan, Ryan Torain and Selvin Young. It is doubtful that the season will start with seven running backs and many believe that at least two of these rushers will not be on the team for the season opener.

Coach Josh McDaniels may have decided that Knowshon Moreno was his man to help take the pressure off of the new starting quarterback after the departure of Jay Cutler. One thing is for sure, Denver looks like they are going to continue their rich tradition of having an elite running back.

Denver Broncos Draft Knowshon Moreno

With the 12th pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos picked running back Knowshon Moreno. While Denver has many holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball, Knowshon’s play making ability makes him a perfect fit for Josh McDaniels spread formations.

Moreno is quick, elusive, has great moves, is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and he is a good blocker. Coach McDainiels is thrilled to have Knowshon Moreno wearing a Bronco’s uniform. “One of the things that no one will talk too much about is his pass protection. For a college back that’s something that doesn’t get a lot of recognition,” McDaniels said. “This guy stands in there and can put his face right in his numbers and he’ll keep him off the quarterback.”

While some Denver fans are disappointed that the Broncos picked a running back with their first pick when they had so many needs, others are thrilled to have this young budding star on the team.

Lions And Stafford Agree To A Deal

With the NFL Draft just hours away, it appears that the Detroit Lions and Matthew Stafford have agreed to a deal.  The Detroit Free Press reports that:

The Lions have agreed to a deal to make Georgia quarterback Matthew Staffford the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. The deal is for six years. Its maximum value is $78 million, with $41.7 million guaranteed.

There are mixed emotions from Detroit Lions fans. Some are happy with the selection of a quarterback with the first pick, others however believe that the Lions should address needs on the offensive line and on defense. Popular names were linebacker Aaron Curry and left tackle Jason Smith.

Mark Richt Says Trade Up For Knowshon

The Georgia Bulldogs head football coach gave his advice to NFL teams regarding two of his former players, qb Matt Stafford, and RB Knowshon Moreno. Richt said, “Trade up for them, if you’re smart. I think whichever NFL teams get them will be very excited and very blessed by it. They’ll not only be good players, but they’ll be good in their locker rooms and good in their communities. They’re going to do well.”

Georgia fans know what Knowshon can do. They fell in love with him during his redshirt freshman year when he rushed for 1,334 yards. In two seasons with the Bulldogs, Moreno ran for 2,734 yards with 30 touchdowns.

Several teams are hinting that they want to take Knowshon Moreno with their first picks in Saturday’s NFL Draft. These teams include the San Diego Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, and The Indianapolis Colts. But don’t be surprised if he is snatched up by another team as he is the most versatile running back in the draft.

Detroit Lions Negotiating With Stafford

Technorati ProfileThe Detroit Lions are reported to be near completion on an agreement that would make Matt Stafford their pick making him the first player selected in the 2009 NFL Draft. Stafford spoke with ESPN and said that he was deep into contract talks and that things were going well.

The Lions front office has said all along that they want to complete a pre-draft deal with their top draft selection. NFL rules allow the team with the top draft pick to negotiate a contract with their top selection before the draft.

The Lions have also been having contract talks with Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry along with Baylor Left tackle, Jason Smith. Curry told Sirius NFL Radio on Tuesday that he would be happy to accept less money that last year’s top draft pick, Jake Long.

Long signed a five-year contract worth $57.75 million, $30 million of which was guaranteed. It is reported that Stafford could receive a deal in the $70 million range for six years with around $40 million guaranteed.

USC quarterback, Mark Sanchez, a friend of Stafford, told the media on Wednesday that he thinks that the Lions are “really in love” with Stafford and that “Stafford locked that one down.”

Associated Press Moreno Wells Preview Clip

Associated Press Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner agrees with most draft guru’s saying that there are just two running backs who should be considered top tier first round picks in Saturday’s NFL draft.

Those running backs are Georgia’s Knowshon Moreno and Chris Wells of Ohio State are considered the top backs in the nation. They also praise another potential first round draft pick in Uconn’s Donald Brown.

Dallas Morning Star Mock Draft

This is a draft that we will will be more accurate for where Knowshon Moreno will be going in the NFL Draft this weekend. In this mock draft, Rick Gosselin also has the Detroit Lions addressing their defense as they have had the worst defense in the NFL since the 1981 Ravens as they gave up 581 points last season.

1. Detroit: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest. The first LB taken first overall since ’88.

2. St. Louis: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. The Rams aren’t sold on Marc Bulger. :

3. Kansas City: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. Best player available at any position upgrades the Chiefs.

4. Seattle: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. Matt Hasselbeck turns 34 in September

5. Cleveland: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. The Browns may trade Braylon Edwards before the draft.

6. Cincinnati: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. The Bengals need to protect QB Carson Palmer better.

7. Oakland: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. Al Davis sees Tim Brown all over again.

8. Jacksonville: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. Forget his weight — Smith is the best blocker in this draft.

9. Green Bay: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State. Both starting corners are in their 30s.

10. San Francisco: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Could be the Ben Roethlisberger of this draft.

11. Buffalo: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. NFL’s 22nd-ranked run defense becomes more stout.

12. Denver: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. Broncos need to get bigger, better in defensive front seven.

13. Washington: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State. Redskins hope Maybin can give them what Jason Taylor didn’t .

14. New Orleans: Beanie Wells, HB, Ohio State. Saints envision Beanie as their new Deuce McAllister.

15. Houston: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas. Texans need help for Mario Williams up front.

16. San Diego: Knowshon Moreno, HB, Georgia. LT older, Darren Sproles headed toward free agency in 2010.

17. NY Jets: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. With WR Laveranues Coles gone, Jets need big plays on flank.

18. Denver: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee. Broncos need to get bigger, better in defensive front seven.

19. Tampa Bay: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC. Both starting outside linebackers gone from 2008.

20. Detroit: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi. Both starting defensive tackles gone from 2008.

21. Philadelphia: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi. Andy Reid loves off. and def. linemen.

22. Minnesota: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. Better receiver play means better quarterback play.

23. New England: Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC. Maualuga and Jerod Mayo would forge a dynamic middle.

24. Atlanta: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. The NFL’s 21st-ranked pass defense needs his cover skills.

25. Miami: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC. Bill Parcells loves stocking the defensive front seven.

26. Baltimore: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. Ravens always draft the best value on the board.

27. Indianapolis: Ziggy Hood, DT, Missouri. GM Polian is tired of playing with free agents at DT.

28. Buffalo: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. Trading Pro Bowler Jason Peters creates a huge hole at LT.

29. NY Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers. Giants need a size receiver to replace Plaxico Burress.

30. Tennessee: James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio State. Quality LBs will go fast in this draft.

31. Arizona: Donald Brown, HB, Connecticut. The heir apparent to Edgerrin James.

32. Pittsburgh: Eric Wood, C, Louisville. Wood can play inside at center or guard.

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